I hear something in her voice, and I pull my head back to see her beautiful face. “I don’t believe that’s the case. You’re always occupied, and I’m working. I think it’s more about timing.”
I’d hate to be cliché and compare her skin to chocolate or some sort of delectable candy. But I can’t help it, the smooth texture reminds me of blonde chocolate and the fact that she always smells like dessert makes it hard to focus when she’s around. And now my shirt will smell like her, as her breasts rest against my chest. And my pants, where her thighs are pressed against my thighs. I fight the urge to allow my hands to roam the terrain of her body, committing it to memory. Because I can’t imagine when I’ll have her this close again.
My heart is beating, and I hold her tighter as the lyrics of the song underscore this moment…teach you how to love. Isn’t that what we all want? To learn how to love or is it to find real love?
I can’t let the music or the softness of her body cause me to look past the responsibilities of my life. I’m not the carefree guy I once was, nor do I want to be. I love my life. But having someone, the right someone feels like the missing piece.
Jo turns and brings our lips within breathing space. Fuck it. I lower my mouth covering her. She moans, and it vibrates through first like a soothing balm, then it ignites the sexual tension I always feel when I see her. My tongue slips into the depths of her mouth, and I’m ready to explore. She trembles, and I hold her tighter, not willing to end my quest just yet. The kiss is leisurely. Then the hunger increases in a kiss that holds nothing back. She gives, and I give back. Her fingers tug at the nape of my neck, and my hands cup her pillow-soft ass. The chorus in my head constantly reminding me of school field trips, grocery lists, group projects is drowned out by…Jo.
I reluctantly pull back. She grips my bottom lip in an erotic suckle. Passion filled eyes hold mine. I could beg to have her, right here, right now. I glance over my shoulder, and we’re alone. The track changes, and I realize I could get lost in Jo. And I’m not sure how I feel about that. Because nothing about her says I’m the type of dude she’d take serious. And as much as I want her, I don’t have time for games. I take a step back. Her hands drop from my chest to her sides.
“Let’s get to work.”
Chapter 6
Hunter
I’m shocked. We go from him tonguing me down to sitting across from each other like strangers. “I’m trippin.”
“What makes you say that?” Ben lifts his head from his laptop. We’ve been in this question and answer mode for forty minutes.
I stop myself. My tongue can get mad sharp and disrespectful. But we had something on the dance floor, and now it’s back to business.
Hunter, what needs will your business satisfy?
Hunter, who are the key players in your business?
Hunter, who are your ideal customers?
What happened to Jo?
“You know what, I’m good on today.” I drop my iPad into my purse. “You have more than enough information to get started.”
“No, I have more questions. I don’t think you’ve gone deep enough with this idea.” His face twists with annoyance. I’m petty and feel good about him showing some sort of feelings other than indifference.
“I gave you what I got,” I toss back.
“Hunter, your father is not going to invest one million dollars in an event planning business. Those come a dime a dozen, especially in Austin. What’s your plan B?” He leans back in his chair.
“That’s my plan A and plan B.” I glance away. Ben runs a hand through his hair, and my fingers tingle to do the same.
Low key, my feelings are hurt. I thought we’d crossed that weird void which made it awkward to gauge him. I’d flirt, he’d dodge. He’d flirt, at least that’s what I thought it was, then he’d become the ultimate professional.
But his eyes give him away. They roll like liquid lava, and my body responds, every time. I would have kicked Lewis’ ass to the curb months ago had Ben just said the word. He didn’t, so I relished in flirting and hopefully spiking his blood pressure with my killer outfits and blatant come-ons.
Kissing on the dance floor felt natural, damn near perfect, and my body is still tingling from his kiss. The thought of his mouth traveling other places crosses my mind, and my kitty is purring for naught.
I give Ben a sideways glance, as the clicking of his keys echoes through the bar. He’s curled over his computer oblivious. His dirty blond hair still ruffled from my hands racking through it in the heat of the moment. I fume at his ignorance of my internal showdown. How did we get back to this awkward dance again?
Did he not feel it?
His dismissal is worse than the dick pic from Lewis meant for that skank B. I want Ben to be as furious as me. I want to feel something other than rejection.
“I’m curious. Do you not date black girls?” I roll my neck, crossing my arms over my chest. I can’t stop my urge to push back.
His head snaps up, jaws tight. “What does who I date have to do with your business plan?”
“Because you just tongued me down on the dance floor and now you’re cold as ice.”
“Look, Hunter—”
“What happened to Jo?” I sit up. My pride has taken enough of a beating for a day. Hell, a week. “Let me get out of here.” I stand, draining the last of my drink. “Call me if you have any questions.”
“Hunter, wait.”
I stalk out not turning to hear him out. I’m done with men. I walk out of S&J and jump in my car, glad I parked on the curb outside the front door. I hear Ben calling my name, but I’m done with tired-ass men.
But that’s my bad.
It’s time I do me. I pull off and see him through the rearview mirror. I pop my shades over my eyes. I need a night with the guys because I refuse to lose my inheritance and I refuse to catch feelings for a guy who clearly ain’t worried about me.
I hope he enjoyed kissing me, because it will be the last time I’ll let my guard down. I flick on the radio to drown out my thoughts.
I stop at a traffic light about to run through my usual I Am Hunter Preston speech. A speech I created in junior high when people first started realizing who my father was and I went from a cool kid on my own accord to the rich girl. And not just rich, but rich and black.
My speech puts my feelings in check and lets my ego smooth over the places where rejection hides beneath my tough exterior. I pretend my skin is tough as a tortoise shell. But it’s not. Ben’s rejection hurts more than Lewis’ betrayal.
Why is that?
Maybe it’s because showing Daddy I can create this business will mean for once I’m not a spoiled little platinum princess. That I can stand on my own two feet. That I carry his name but I’m not him. That I’m my own person.
The light turns green. I grip the steering wheel tight and gun it. My foot is heavy on the accelerator as my Maserati cuts through traffic with precision.
“Don’t let your feelings mess this up Jo," I tell myself as my phone rings. I glance at the dash, it’s Ben. I slowly shake my head. “Jo, keep it strictly business.”
The voice in my head is protesting. That kiss was…I touch my lips still feeling the effect from his mouth on mine.
Hours later, I’m still driving, winding through the suburbs of Austin trying to clear my head. Ben’s challenge has me rethinking my business idea. I thought the event planning was a perfect fit for me.
What would warrant a million dollars from my father? Daddy built his brand and his empire on a service. His media company includes print, digital, radio, and soon television. All of which I categorize as entertainment.
I don’t want to exist in his world. I want to create a world of my own.
Who would I target? I stop at a light noticing the gas light on. I pull into the closest station. I could target people like my friends. People like me, before Daddy took his credit cards back. So, my audience is an affluent consumer.
“That’s it,” I
screech, startling the older man across the pump from me. “Sorry. I just had an amazing idea.” I wink, and he blushes.
I scan my mind, trying to recall a checklist from Google. I think the next requirement is to identify a service. What do affluent men and women need?
I fill up my car renewed by the new plan forming in my mind. I glance at my watch. I’ve been driving for hours, and it’s almost three o’clock. I jump back behind my wheel. My Plan B is fire! But I need some intel to make it happen.
I type out a quick SOS group text to the guys to meet me at my house. They are my target audience. So, tonight, I’ll run a focus group. Their responses chime in before I put my key in the ignition. I smile. Bet.
Now, to text Ben.
My fingers hover over the screen. I have to push past my pride. Maybe the kiss happened because he was curious. I was curious too, so I can’t blame him. I shrug it off.
Chewing on my raw inner jaw, I type before I change my mind. My bad about earlier. I still need your help. Are you still on board? I pop my phone into the holder on the dash and turn the ignition.
We need to talk.
I grab my phone. I’m not too keen on seeing him again today. But I can’t waste time either and getting his feedback before I meet with my squad could help. I stare out the windshield. I have a few hours to kill. Are you at S&J?
No, I’m at the house. Something came up.
There goes that idea.
Can you come by my place?
I stare at my phone. Those hurt feeling simmering beneath the surface ain’t having it. I tap my phone against the steering wheel trying to decide. Then my phone rings. It’s him.
“Yeah.”
“Is that a yes?” Ben’s voice fills my car.
“Let’s talk now.”
“No, in person. And I’d come to you, but Zoe has a fever.”
“Zoe?” I hesitate. “Wait, did you kiss me and you have a girlfriend?”
“Don’t you think it’s kind of late to ask that question?” He’s talking in a hushed tone.
“I never took you for the cheating type. You know what Ben, I’m good on this whole situation. Let’s keep it professional and forget this afternoon happened.” My palms are sweaty. I can’t freak out. His business is his business. I take a deep breath.
“Are you coming or not?” he asks. Then I can hear him mumbling to someone in the background and the sound of a door closing.
I stare out the window, at the service station. My stomach is in knots, my heart is about to explode, and I want to say yes, knowing I shouldn’t.
“Zoe is not my girlfriend. I’d prefer not to explain it over the phone.” His agitation is evident. But I don’t give a damn. It’s his hot and cold treatment that got us here in the first place. “I’ll text you the address. Bye Jo.”
My phone chimes. I see an address and See you in thirty.
I sit for ten more minutes staring at his message. “It’s business. He’s officially an employee, and I’m officially starting my own business.” Lies, my inner voice screams. I feel the need to clarify for my soul’s sake. “I am starting this business, and I’m getting that million dollars.”
Ben is different. I know it like I know Lewis is an ass using me for my name. He was arm candy for me too. But I ain’t the sharing type of chick. That pic was all the evidence I needed to move on.
To be a boss, I have to get my shit together. No more pretenders. No more drama. I thrust my hand into my purse, pulling out my journal and a pen. I mindlessly scribble words across the page.
Daddy taught me to write it down, and it works. Prom queen. My car. My life. And now, my business. I write it, declaring it before I toss the journal back in my purse.
I’m tired of quitting. Daddy is drawing the line, and I hope he’s ready to sign that check because this is going down. I roll my shoulders back and enter Ben’s address into the navigation.
I turn the key in the ignition, closing my eyes for a quick prayer. Please don’t let me drive over there and leave worse than I am in this moment.
I’m ready for Ben. I just hope I don’t lose my heart in the process.
Chapter 7
Hunter
I stopped in front of a cute two-story house. The area is a modest working-class neighborhood with SUVs parked in driveways. A group of kids roll by on bicycles stopping to appreciate my car.
I step out, walking to the front door. I’ve said my speech a million times, and each time the knot in my stomach pulled tighter. I set the time on my phone I can’t be late to my own focus group. Then I push the doorbell.
I hear the chime through the door. I turn to the street, chuckling as my car draws a small crowd. Men and their love of cars.
The door opens behind me. I turn to see Ben. He looks exhausted.
“Come in.” He smiles, and the tension in my body leaves.
“You really should do that more often.”
He shakes his head. “Woman, come inside.”
“Yes, sir.” I joke. He glances out at the street. “Should I park in the driveway?”
“Nah you good. Would you like something to drink? Something to eat?” He motions to the couch.
“No. I can’t stay long.”
“Well, let’s get to it.” Ben sits beside me, his hands twisting inside one another. “Look, Jo, I didn’t mean—”
“Ben, can we forget it and move on?” I don’t want to hear him say he made a mistake. I can see it written on his face. I turn away from his assessing gaze digging in my purse for my journal. “I have my Plan B. Let’s just start there.”
“I’ll get my laptop.” He seemed to hesitate, but then he turned, going down a long hallway.
I slump back, and the sound of footsteps grab my attention. I sit up ready to fight my attraction to this man, and I see a little round face.
“Pappa?” His face with a little red nose, big brown eyes, and unruly curls and my heart melts.
“Uh…hi”
Sniffle. “Hi.” She pulls a blanket to her face, and I see the rest down the hall like a wedding train.
“Want to sit down? You don’t look too good.”
“I don’t feel too good.” She drags over, climbing up on the couch beside me. I can feel the heat from her little leg against mine.
“You must be Zoe.” She nods. “Your…uh…papa should be back in a second.”
Ben is a father. I reach over, pulling up the end of her blanket gathering it around her warm body. My eyes assess her face that looks just like his, as her eyes struggle to remain open. Then she snuggles closer.
“I don’t feel good.”
“It will get better sweetie.”
She nods, snuggling into my side, losing the fight to stay awake. I look around the room for evidence of a wife or a girlfriend. The furniture is neutral, shades of blue. This is definitely isn’t a bachelors pad. I turn and see pictures on the far wall, all of Zoe.
BEN
Jo stomped out of S&J as my phone rung with a call from the school saying Zoe had a fever. I took her to the doctor, and my baby has a virus. I didn’t have time to process the ordeal with Jo. I went into Daddy mode.
We came home and I gave her a cold bath and enough medicine for her to sleep well through the night. I grab my laptop and decide to peek in on her while I craft an explanation to give to Hunter.
I glance towards Zoe’s bed waiting to hear the sound of her soft snore. But I hear nothing. I walk closer, and her bed is empty.
“Zoe," I call leaving her room.
“She’s in here.”
I walk into the leaving room to find Zoe snuggled against Jo. My eyes dart to Jo’s face, trying to read her expression. The tight set of her face tells me I should have told her about Zoe before now.
“Let me get her back to bed.” I place my laptop on the table then scoop Zoe up into my arms. “Jo, please don’t leave.”
Her nod is tight.
“Pappa, I’m thirsty.” Zoe voice cracks.
�
�I’ll get it,” Jo offers.
“Thanks. The kitchen is down the hall to the right. Use one of her cups with a straw in the cabinet beside the sink.” Jo stands up. “I’m taking her to bed. It’s the first door up the stairs.”
I turn to gather her bedspread and take my baby bear back to bed. This is the part of parenting that kills me. When I can’t do anything to make her better. I kiss her warm cheek and take the stairs two at a time. I place her in the bed.
Pappa is our replacement for Daddy. It’s a name we settled on because she had an amazing Dad before circumstances took him and her mother away. Now I’m just trying to honor their wishes. So I became Pappa Bear like her favorite book, and my Zoe Bear became my Baby Bear. Jo walks in behind me.
I can’t read her face. But her eyes won’t meet mine. Walking in to see Zoe snuggled up against her shocked me. I never thought of her as the nurturing type.
I wake Zoe to give her a drink. She sips the water and falls back asleep. I tuck her in and show Hunter back to the living room.
“This can wait until tomorrow.”
“I owe you an apology.” I rub the back of my neck.
“You don’t owe me anything. Text me tomorrow, and we’ll reschedule.”
I grab her by the wrist before she turns to walk away, again. “Jo, I’m too exhausted to argue with you.”
“And I shouldn’t be here.”
“But you are here.” She turns around. “Tell me what you want Jo.”
“Honestly, Ben, I’m about to lose my shit.” Her bottom lip quivers and I step closer. “Why didn’t you tell me about Zoe?”
“I don’t bring my personal life to work. I work at work. I handle home at home.” I’m losing her before I had her. I slip my finger through her belt loop. I pull her closer, loving the slight pout on her face. And I can’t believe I have Jo in my home.
“What does Jo stand for?” I slowly remove her jacket.
“Josephine.”
Platinum Love: A BWWM Romance (Blazin' Love Book 1) Page 4
